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Visit the Falling Foss Waterfall

Around 6 miles from the town of Whitby is Falling Foss waterfall, a stunning 30-foot waterfall and area of woodland to explore. There’s even a cosy tea room to enjoy…

One of our favourite places to explore whilst staying on the North Yorkshire Coast is Falling Foss waterfall and the surrounding woodland area. It’s a perfect place to visit with the family as the walk is not too difficult for younger children and it’s close to the coast to further explore during your trip. There’s even a beautiful tea garden to stop at, grab a drink and admire the magical surroundings. 

Waterfall at Falling Foss

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The 30-foot waterfall is beautiful to visit during any time of year. Just make sure to take caution during colder months as the area will be very muddy and slippy. We love visiting during Autumn after a rainy day to see it in its full force and decorated with dancing autumn leaves. The colours are just magnificent, it’s a great time to take photos.

Whilst visiting Falling Foss you can also visit the Hermitage, a cave that has been carved out of a large boulder. It dates back to the 1700s and local legends say that it was the home to a Yorkshire hermit during the 18th century. It’s so interesting to see, can you imagine living there?

A free day trip as beautiful as this is not always easy to find! Follow a trail, explore the woodland, on a warm day you can paddle in the shallow waters, or just pack a picnic and enjoy lunch with a view.

Maybeck to Falling Foss Circular Route | 1.5 Hours 

You can begin this route by either parking at May Beck or Falling Foss car park, both are free. May Beck car park is smaller but we find that it is often a quieter option which is great as Falling Foss car park can get very busy. It is worth noting it’s a 1.5-hour circular walk, here we start from May Beck.

May Beck

The main thing to consider is that this walk (especially walking down to the waterfall itself) is not pushchair friendly. This route consists mostly of woodland paths which are often uneven and can be slippy in wet weather. They are dog friendly though, you are encouraged to keep your dogs on leads, especially where the paths have steep drop-offs.

Begin at the entrance of the car park, instead of crossing the bridge just turn right. Then you will head uphill on a gravel track and immediately turn right again along a level track. Walk for 25 yards and then turn left up stone steps. Follow a winding path through bracken. Next, you will go through a gate, then turn right and follow the path into the woodland. Keep going straight along this path. At a junction with a stony track, turn right, downhill. Once you reach the bottom you will need to turn left to cross a footbridge. Bear to the right and pass Falling Foss Tea Garden, keep to the fence to your left.

Falling Foss Waterfall

Down below is Falling Foss waterfall from here the path soon becomes unfenced, so please take care if you choose to go down to the waterfall, we don’t recommend this for children as it can be very slippy. Next, you go through a gap in an old low wall to reach a signpost for the Falling Foss car park. Turn right here and go uphill through the woodland. Next, you will go through another gap in a wall at the top and bear right. Take the track at the far end of the car park and follow the path down through the woodland. A path joins from the right and you continue down left to cross a footbridge. Continue on through the woodland beside May Beck. Finally, you will go up the steps and through a gate. Continue ahead along the beck to return to the car park. You can find more information and follow the full route here.

Falling Foss Tea Garden 

Falling Foss Tea Garden Fire Pit

After walking through the woodland and exploring the area there is nothing quite like a homemade treat sat amongst the ancient forest and right beside Falling Foss. This rustic outdoor setting is welcoming and a perfect pit stop. They serve scones baked freshly on-site and combine them with lashings of jam and cream, delicious homemade cakes, savoury pastries, and warming homemade soups. To drink they offer Barista coffees, loose-leaf teas, and much more all where ever possible from local suppliers.

It’s such a wonderful place to sit back and just enjoy being surrounded by nature. There are toilet facilities and a small children’s play area here too. Find more information here.

Let us know if you have ever visted Falling Foss Waterfall in the comments.

1 thought on “Visit the Falling Foss Waterfall”

  1. Falling Foss tea rooms well worth a visit excellent food and facilities, and the falls are beautiful. Also worth a visit the fish box by the harbour in whitby. Best Fish and chips in town.

    Reply

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